Maxine Revere has dedicated her life to investigating murders that the police have long since given up any hope of solving. A nationally renowned investigative reporter with her own TV show and a tough-as-nails reputation, Max tackles cold cases from across the country and every walk of life. But the one unsolved murder that still haunts her is a case from her own past.

When Max was a high school senior, one of her best friends was strangled and another, Kevin O’Neal, accused of the crime. To the disgrace of her wealthy family, Max stood by her friend, until she found out he lied about his alibi. Though his guilt was never proven, their relationship crumbled from the strain of too many secrets.

Now Max is home for Kevin’s funeral—after years of drug abuse, he committed suicide. She’s finally prepared to come to terms with the loss of his friendship, but she’s not prepared for Kevin’s sister to stubbornly insist that he didn’t kill himself. Or for an elderly couple to accost her at the airport, begging her to look into another murder at Max’s old high school. Max is more interested in the cold case at her alma mater than in digging around Kevin’s troubled life, but she agrees to do both. As Max uncovers dark secrets, she finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies that hit far too close to home. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that someone will do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried. - via GoodReads

It has been so long since I’ve read an Allison Brennan book and that was a mistake. After reading Felicia’s review of Notorious I knew I had to pick this up sooner rather than later. I’m drawn to cold cases like a moth to the flame. There’s just something about them. Perhaps it’s the unknown or whatever it is that tripped up professionals. Whatever it is, Brennan delivered.

I really, really enjoyed Maxine Revere as a character. She’s independently wealthy but spends her time helping bring people closure. She uses her own resources to do it and can do things law enforcement officials can’t. This doesn’t mean that Max doesn’t know how to pamper herself. She’s someone I could very easily admire.

The pacing in Notorious is quick but the story is still rich in all the right places. The mystery is fantastic and really kept me guessing up until the last few chapters. I’m very excited to see where Brennan takes this new series and I’m very eager for the second book!

She really does. I also found that this book so far seemed a lot different than her other books. I’m not sure if it was because of a lack of a romantic interest or if it’s because the story line is different than what I’ve expected of Brennan before. Either way it is awesome! 😀

Oh yeah. That’s what happens when I go on hiatuses. I read like crazy and then spend the next several months catching up reviews!

At least I’m not the only victim of Felicia’s because she’s constantly adding to my TBR pile too. Hehe! Her recommendations haven’t steered me wrong yet though, so I forgive her. Glad that this book’s mystery delivered on all fronts. I think it’s about time that I discover Allison Brennan’s writing for myself.